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If your application supports WDM and direct monitoring, you may enable it in your DAW's audio control panel. Please refer to your
audio software's documentation for additional information.
Setting Record Levels Using the Mic/Inst and Line Inputs
There are a number of possible places in the signal flow that allow for adjusting of "gain," or the amount of level that is assigned. These are
called the "gain stages." The OmniStudio USB offers gain adjustment control on Mic/Inst inputs 1 and 2; Line Inputs 3 and 4 allow you
to set the input level at -10 or +4 dB. Of course, you can also adjust the output level at the source; this is another gain stage. If you use
inserts on Inputs 1 and 2, these can add additional gain stages.
It's important to adjust your gain stages properly for optimal signal quality. Generally, it's best to not overdrive the earlier stages of the
audio chain; doing so can result in a distorted output signal even if the output level is acceptable.
Inputs 1 and 2 – If you're recording via Input 1 or 2, begin with the gain
playing or singing, until the green Signal LED begins to light. Raise the level until the red Clip LED lights, then back it off slightly so that
the Clip LED doesn't light. If the Clip LED lights frequently even with the Input Level at its lowest setting, you can try to reduce the output
level at the source. If this is not possible, you can press the Pad switch to reduce the input signal by –20dB.
Inputs 3 and 4 – Since there are no gain controls for the line inputs, you will need to adjust the level at the source (that is, output control
on the device that you are recording). If your device runs at a line level other than +4, set the rear panel Input 3/4 Level Switch to
–10dB.
Setting Record Levels Using the Inserts
The rear panel Inserts on Inputs 1 and 2 give the user an insertion point in a signal flow for adding signal processing. Each Insert
provides an unbalanced output from the record channel, then brings that unbalanced signal back into the record channel, via a 1/4"
TRS connection. This processed signal is what is sent to the OmniStudio USB's A/D converters, which are the record inputs to your audio
software. This type of insertion point is most often used for dynamics processors such as compressors, expanders, noise gates, etc.,
or for other outboard gear such as an equalizer (EQ).
Since an insert is often found on a patch bay, using an insert to add a processor to the signal flow is sometimes called "patching-in."
We will refer to these patch points as "insert out" and "insert in." Use the left side of the cable for the OmniStudio USB 'insert out' point.
This will then plug into the input of your outboard device. The right side of the cable is your 'insert in'. Plug it into the output of your
outboard device. This piece of outboard gear is
processing. (Your insert cable will either be marked "left" and "right," or designate the right side of the stereo signal by being colored
or marked in red.)
Outboard gear such as dynamics processors will have controls and settings that will vary from one device to another. Therefore, we
can only speak in general terms and suggest a way to go about adjusting these gain stages. With the processing controls set to a
neutral setting, or bypassed:
If there is an output setting on the outboard device, set it to 0dB, or unity gain. This way, the device is not adding to or attenuating the
original signal.
Set the input level on the device, trying to match the level of the signa showing up in your audio software.
Adjust processing controls, such as threshold and ratio, toward the desired effect. Adjust the output level on the outboard device
as needed, finally fine-tuning all gain stage levels.
The OmniStudio USB's Inserts can also be used to 'patch in' effects devices; however, effects are not usually added in this way.
controls at their lowest setting. Raise the input level while
now part of the signal flow, and the recorded signal will include this device's
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